Seanad Éireann debate -
Thursday, 2 May 1985

Vol. 108 No. 2

Business of Seanad.

An Leas-Chathaoirleach

I have notice from Senator Michael Smith that, on the motion for the Adjournment of the House today, he proposes to raise the following matter.:

Due to the inadequate and intolerable facilities at Newport Vocational School, the urgent need for the Minister for Education to grant sanction for the immediate commencement of the long awaited extension to the school.

I have also received notice from Senator Patrick Durcan of the following matter:

The serious hardship and disruption caused to tourism and commercial life in west Mayo by the closure of the bus office in the Mall, Westport, by CIE.

I regard the matter raised by Senator Smith as suitable for discussion on the Adjournment and it will be taken from 4.30 p.m. to 5 p.m. or earlier if the business ordered is concluded. I regret that I have to rule the matter raised by Senator Patrick Durcan as not suitable for discussion on the Adjournment on the ground of lack of ministerial responsibility.

Mr. Durcan

On a point of order, on the point which I raised — which I might say I raised because of considerable public concern being expressed at present in Mayo west and in Westport in particular — I find it very difficult to understand the Chair's decision in relation to this matter, bearing in mind the fact that the Minister for Communications has overall responsibility for CIE and for the public services which they, as a monopoly body, provide. Furthermore, I want to express in relation to this matter extreme disappointment at the arbitrary manner in which CIE made this decision without consultation with any interested bodies in the town of Westport.

An Leas-Chathaoirleach

I do not think the Minister has total responsibility for CIE. I have written to you giving my reasons for disallowing the discussion. If I can be of any help to the Senator during the day I will do anything I can. As regards my ruling, there are long standing procedures in this House.

Mr. Durcan

I appreciate your ruling, but I must express the concern felt by people in my part of the world at a decision which is extremely damaging to tourism and which is removing a vital service from the people of the area.

An Leas-Chathaoirleach

We are now discussing the motion. Let us stick to the rules. We will talk about it during the day if you accept my decision.

Mr. Durcan

Of course, as a democrat I accept your decision but I want to say that I will have tremendous difficulty explaining to the people of the west why we cannot raise this matter bearing in mind the fact——

An Leas-Chathaoirleach

The day-to-day administration of CIE, for which the Minister has no official responsibility, comes under section 13 of the Transport Act, 1950. I have now made my decision, and I will gladly talk to you during the day if I can be of further help.

Mr. Durcan

If it is permissible to do so within Standing Orders, perhaps the Chair will give me the opportunity to find some other way of raising this matter before the termination of today's business. I make that point as a point of order.

An Leas-Chathaoirleach

I have ruled this morning on the matter, and we can talk about it during the day if I can be of any help.

Mr. Durcan

I am accepting——

An Leas-Chathaoirleach

The Senator does not seem to accept the ruling of the Chair.

Mr. Durcan

I am accepting the ruling of the Chair but I would like to feel that the matter is open-ended. I make that point bearing in mind the fact that this House adjourned at an early hour yesterday due to lack of business. It is very difficult to explain to people how democracy works when this House does not discuss anything and when there are vital issues which affect people and affect commerce and tourism——

An Leas-Chathaoirleach

The Senator is speaking about democracy and says he is accepting my ruling. I think he is making a speech and referring to business done here yesterday. I do not think you really accept my ruling at all. I have made the ruling. I will talk to you during the day gladly if I can be of any further help, so please resume your seat, Senator Durcan.

Mr. Durcan

I thank you for your assistance, but I must make the concluding point that——

An Leas-Chathaoirleach

You have made your point. Please, Senator——

Professor Dooge

I have no wish to carry this matter on further, but a remark was made by Senator Durcan that this House adjourned for want of business. That is simply not true. This House adjourned at 8.30 p.m. and from 8 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. very few Senators were in the House but the business was going on.

An Leas-Chathaoirleach

Thank you.

Mr. Kiely

On the point that Senator Durcan raised about matters on the Adjournment being ruled out because of lack of ministerial responsibility——

An Leas-Chathaoirleach

The matter is finished as far I am concerned.

Mr. Kiely

Is there any hope of bringing it before the Committee on Procedure and Privileges to ensure——

An Leas-Chathaoirleach

Thank you for your help.